A MAN is recovering from serious head, leg and arm injuries in Whiston Hospital following a terrifying ordeal at the hands of an axeman.

The 34-year-old victim's nightmare began when he answered the door of his flat in Findlay Close, Newton-le-Willows at about 9pm on Wednesday, November 12, to be confronted by a man wearing a balaclava and wielding an axe.

The axeman forced him back inside and subjected him to a violent attack before tying him up and ransacking the flat.

He then escaped with a quantity of items in a holdall leaving the victim bound and seriously injured.

The occupier of the flat was not freed until Friday morning when he was discovered by social workers making a routine visit to his first-floor home.

Police are anxious to trace the person who carried out this brutal attack. DS Don Gordon, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was an horrendous attack on a man - described by his family as a gentle person - in his own home. It is certainly one of the worst cases I have ever had to deal with. The victim is very lucky to have survived given his injuries and the length of time he was left tied up."

ANYONE who can help police should contact DS Don Gordon at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6051, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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